Making the most of the talents of disabled people is crucial to tackling inequality

27th January 2010

Employers and policymakers need to work together to develop the talents of disabled people if inequalities are to be tackled, says Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD).

A report published today found that the richest 10% of society are 100 times better off than the poorest. An Anatomy of Economic Inequality in the UK was produced by the National Equality Panel and commissioned by Harriet Harman, Minister for Women and Equality.

Susan Scott-Parker, Chief Executive of EFD, said: “The findings of this report are a stark reminder of the barriers individuals, and disabled people in particular, face in achieving their potential.”

One in three people are either disabled or close to someone who is, and 80% of recruitment processes are inaccessible to disabled people. Susan Scott-Parker continued: “Outdated misconceptions about what disabled people can achieve can prevent some employers reaping the commercial benefits of getting it right on disability.”

“Disability confident organisations are better employers for everyone, and make significant cost savings and productivity gains through developing more efficient recruitment, employment and customer service processes.

“According to the report, disabled people have a net income of 30% less than for other working age adults, which shows that employers need to ensure that their appraisal and promotion processes do not discriminate.

Ends

Notes to editors

“EFD’s latest line manager guide ‘non-visible disabilities’ covers mental health conditions and provides practical advice on how to make reasonable adjustments for them.

To review a copy or for other media enquiries, please contact Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager via the details below.

Media enquiries, please contact:

Brenda Otema, Communications & Marketing Officer
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: brenda.otema@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

About Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 300 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.

www.efd.org.uk